Countdown [Natsu x Reader x Gray]

🎓 Chapter 14 🎓

And just like that, Thanksgiving Break was no more.

"For the final," the teacher began speaking; however, the rest of the words were drowned out as Zero was not listening.

"Woah, that's a good drawing." Sting, the student who sat next to Zero, admired.

Zero, rather than paying attention to the final exam review, was drawing a picture of a fellow student.

"Uh, thanks." He mumbled, refusing to look at Sting who was leaning onto Zero's desk to get a better view.

"Hey, I recognize her. That's Natsu's friend (Y/N), right?"

A soft yet deep growl came from Zero before he grumbled, "I guess."

Sting remained silent for a moment, observing the boy as he continued to draw. "You have a crush on her, don't you?" Sting asked.

While Zero didn't flinch at the accusation, his cheeks did turn red on the spot. And that was all Sting needed to know.

"Just know that you've gotta wait in line, buddy." Sting sighed, sitting properly in his own desk. "Natsu's had a crush on (Y/N) for forever and Gray also likes her too. You've got some good competition."

After that, Sting left the new kid alone to his thoughts.

Natsu. Gray. Zero frowned at the names as he continued to draw. They're nothing.

Before he knew it, the bell rang which signaled the end of the first class.

Rather than mingling in the hallway, because he had no friends other than (Y/N), Zero walked to his next class and sat down in his seat and began coloring his drawing.

After ten minutes, when class began, the teacher announced a student teacher that would assist in helping students study for the final.

"If you are not acquainted already, this young lady is (Y/N). She is a senior just like you and will be helping anyone who needs assistance. Of course, I will also be here." The teacher announced.

Upon hearing your name, Zero's head shot up and there you were standing at the front of his class. Immediately, he shut his notebook and called out to you.

"(Y/N), I need help. Please."

The other students in his class stared at him in shock, mostly because some of them had never heard him speak. And also Zero looked eager -- an expression that none of his classmates (and the teacher for that matter) has seen on his face.

After nodding your head, acknowledging that you both heard and accepted his request, you dragged a chair over to his desk.

"What do you need help with?" You asked.

"Uh," He put the notebook he had (with the drawing of your face) underneath his textbook and opened it. The concept on the page was what he blurted out of his mouth, "the unit circle."

To say that he hogged you for the entire class period was an understatement. In a class of twenty-two students, it was difficult for one teacher to go around and help every student -- that's why you were there.

But every time you stood up from your chair, there was another concept that Zero needed help with. You empathized with him, but you also noticed the annoyed stares that were directed your way.

You were too nice to cut him off and politely turn him down, especially knowing that he didn't have many friends.

You sighed as you self-reflected on that last period while walking to your next class. In all reality, you should have stopped Zero and given equal attention to other students who needed help. That's something you would have to work on.

Then a thought hit you.

Natsu had thoughts of being an Olympic runner.

Gray had thoughts of being an actor.

How did you feel about teaching?

You began participating in this program on a whim, but it wasn't all that bad. It made you feel wise when you taught a subject that you were knowledgeable in to someone who was not.

You were like a wise wizard.

So could you be a teacher?

You would be graduating soon, so you knew that you needed to decide on a career path relatively soon in order to apply to colleges on time.

Maybe teaching was the career for you?

"Hey (Y/N)," You were brought out of your thoughts by the sound of Gray's voice. "Got any plans for Christmas?"

"Christmas?" You repeated, "No."

"Oh, well," He moved a hand to scratch the back of his head and looked off to the side. "would you like to hang out with me that day? Like just you and me?"